Dazz
Years ago
Do "2nd Teams" help or hinder?
I've got no personal interest in a 2nd WA team, but it does raise an interesting question. There's some interest in another Melbourne team, I support the idea of a 2nd NZ team (albeit not from the same city) and in the past we've had 2nd teams from Sydney (and Even Adelaide IIRC.) In the BBL they opted for two teams from Sydney & Melbourne.
Naturally, when we first think of a 2nd team, we think of dilution in crowds, talent, and money. And I SUSPECT that in the case of a struggling league like NBL that will initially be so. However if you can get past the hump (however long and high that may be) does a 2nd team actually start to help?
I believe the NBL record attendance is STILL for a "Melbourne Derby." If you can get it happening, cross-town rivalry can be a powerful force. The advantage in a city like Melbourne is that such games can be moved to a bigger venue. It also attracts media hype and TV interest.
And for those not interested in the rivalry, there is also the propensity to watch "the other local team" play on TV.
I suppose the big question is whether a 2nd team ultimately halves the audience, or does it potentially double it? Again, I feel that in strong leagues (such as AFL) the effect is doubled (or perhaps more) There's no doubt that having 16/18 teams attracts a lot more people than say 8.
With the NBL, not sure...
Clearly all the recent incarnations of 2nd teams have failed.
Like a few things, I feel much will be driven by any potential TV deal. Again, with a strong presence (like AFL) more teams = more telecasts = more money. With the NBL, probably the opposite.
